Communications Director, Office of the Mayor

Job Description

Overview
Employees in this classification are responsible for developing, managing, and executing internal and external marketing and communication strategies to the staff of the Mayor’s Office and targeted audiences.

Essential Duties
Develops and executes cutting edge communications strategies, including social media, writing press releases, pitching stories, and drafting remarks.
Maintaining media databases and cultivating media contacts. Works closely with the Chief Technology Officer to leverage technology.
Manages communications content to ensure it is aligned with the Mayor’s Office strategic communications plan. Ensures all levels of city communications staff are accurately, effectively, and consistently promoting key Mayoral priorities and messaging.
Serves as communications advisor to the Mayor’s Office. Develops content for the Mayor’s Office online and social media channels.
Schedules, writes and monitors all forms of Mayor’s Office communications: social media, website, newsletters, reports, and press releases.
Serves as a lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the Mayor’s Office and actively cultivates and manages press relationships to ensure coverage of issues of strategic importance to the Mayor’s Office.
Manages relationships with communications-related vendors or consultants.
Attends and participates in executive management meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of communications.
Creates and ensures the integration of a citywide crisis communications program which includes strategic external communications plans, media relations, stakeholder outreach, and rules of engagement/crisis procedures for city personnel.
Responds to any media requests and draft messaging to respond to constituent concerns.
Provides direction/oversight of Mayoral Communications Department staff, including internal reporting, personnel management, establishing departmental priorities, and review/approval of external materials.
Other duties may be assigned by supervisor or Mayor’s Office management.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with seven plus years of experience in communications management. APR certification is a plus.
In-depth knowledge of public relations strategies, media relations, techniques, communications technologies, as well as excellent writing skills, including speechwriting.
Proven track record working traditional media including experience working with social media at a professional capacity, and a demonstrated ability to secure press coverage.
Experience managing and executing across several communications media. Ability to adapt to constant change and fast paced, deadline-oriented environments.
Experience with different and emerging social media platforms and ability to produce content that highlights the work of the Mayor’s Office.
Ability to process and communicate large volumes of information with extensive networking abilities.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms. Experience with mass marketing platforms including Content Management Systems (CMS), HTML and WordPress.
Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize and follow through effectively.
Accurate and attentive to details.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Salary
$90,000-$101,000 based upon experience.

Job Demands
Physical: This is primarily an office position but will be required to visit the various locations of the Mayor’s Office.
Cognitive: Requires a high level of cognitive skills to analyze and draft various reports and correspondence and communicate to the appropriate authorities. Must be able to read and understand all applicable laws, regulations, city ordinances, rules and policies.
Interpersonal: Extremely high level of interaction with a wide variety of interest groups including employees, other managers, elected officials and the general public.
ADA Compliance
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of St. Louis Mayor’s Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Mayor’s Office.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of St Louis Mayor’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran’s status or marital status.

How To Apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Sara Baker at bakersa@stlouis-mo.gov.